Schools enjoy National 10s tournament

Ten schools attended from across Wales after competing and winning their regional heats.

Tredegar Comprehensive school represented the Dragons region at Under 14s and the Blues were represented by Treorchy at U16s.

The Ospreys were represented by Bishopston (U14s), Maes Y Dderwen (U16s) and Neath College (U18s). Schools form the Scarlets were Coed Cae (U14s), Dewi Sant (U16s) and Preseli (U18s) and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru was represented by Botwnnog (U14s) and Dyffryn Conwy (U16s).

In the U14s competition, Bishopston dominated, winning all three matches without conceding a point and took the title. Botwnnog, losing only to the winners took second place with Coed Cae third and Tredegar fourth.

In the U16s, Dewi Sant took home the silverware, also winning all three games. Dyffryn Conwy came second, Treorchy third and Maes Y Dderwen fourth.

The U18s competition consisted of one fixture between Preseli and Neath College. The usually unbeatable Neath college found themselves in an evenly matched game dominated by forwards and in which both teams chose to take rather than avoid contact.

The first try of the match came from Rosie Fletcher (Neath College). Nia Thomas, evened up the score for Preseli with Carol Griffiths putting them ahead 7-14 at half time.

Neath College soon equalised after the break with a clean catch and 50m dash by Steph Williams. Preseli came straight back, split the Neath defence and gave Carol Griffiths a clear run for her second try of the day quickly followed by another by the number 10.

Not to be outplayed, Neath College put together some good back play to allow Delyth Davies to cross the line and close the gap, but this was short lived when Nia Davies extended Preseli's lead to 35-21.

An infringement by Preseli let Neath back in and Rosie Fletcher scored again. With all to play for in the last minute a knock on by Neath allowed Nia Davies to receive quick ball from the back of the scrum and run in a final try to secure the win for Preseli. Final score 42-28.

Having signed a national dual contract earlier in the week, Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will be hoping for a double celebration by leading his country to second place in the NatWest 6 Nations when coming up against France in the final round.

George North inched closer to Shane Williams record of 22 tries in the Six Nations, his brace taking him to third on the list with Gareth Edwards (18) now in his sights. He looks back on a job well done by Wales.

Taulupe Faletau is looking forward to his first game as Wales captain where he will play alongside debutant James Davies in a fresh looking back row against Italy in the NatWest 6 Nations tomorrow afternoon in Cardiff

Head coach Warren Gatland has handed 'world-class' Taulupe Faletau the captaincy for Wales' clash against Italy on Sunday, and believes it is an opportunity for Wales to get even 'more out of him in terms of leadership qualities'

The Wales squad reported back into camp this morning ahead of Sunday's vital NatWest 6 Nations encounter against Italy. Assistant coach Neil Jenkins says the return of Taulupe Faletau is a big plus for the team.

Wales assistant coach Robin McBryde pays Ireland credit for their victory last Saturday in the NatWest 6 Nations but refuses to get bogged down with the result as there is a bigger picture to think about as well - the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.